Former RAW Chief Admits India Paid People in Kashmir to Counter ISI Influence

Speaking ahead of his book’s launch, the former chief of India’s intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Amarjit Singh Dulat revealed that the Indian agencies were involved in paying militants and politicians in India-held Kashmir to counter the influence of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency.

With his admission, which came during an interview with NDTV, Mr. Dulat also defended the move asking, “So what’s wrong? What is there to be so shocked or scandalised by. It’s done the world over”.

He also stated that the use of money to engage militants and separatists was a more practical move than violence.

“Corrupting someone with money is more ethical and smarter than killing him,” he said.

Mr. Dulat’s book “Kashmir: The Vajpayee Years” is going to be launching soon and it is also pertinent to mention that he is considered an authority on Kashmir.

According to him, the Indian government had, when necessary, paid for the upkeep and maintenance of pro-Pakistan separatists like Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

He also went on to claim that he had been in contact with the leader of Hizbul Mujahideen and one of India’s most wanted terrorists – Syed Salahuddin, and did some favors from him, including getting his son admitted into a reputable medical college.

Kashmir has been a major issue between the neighbouring India and Pakistan, and both countries have their own intelligence agencies which are often blamed for instability in the region.